The CES will be keeping a close eye on the following Bills as they make their way through Parliament.  As always we will keep our colleagues in the Catholic education sector briefed and negotiate on their behalf where necessary.

Education and Skills Bill

Emerging from the "Raising Expectations" Green Paper, the Bill is also designed to implement some of the recommendation of the Leitch Review of Skills.

It will provide a legal entitlement for all adults to free training in literacy and numeracy; see the education participation age raised to 17 in 2013 and 18 in 2015; and establish a registration, monitoring and categorisation regime for independent and non-maintained special schools.

Children and Young Persons Bill

This legislation attempts to tighten rules around children in care in England and Wales. The 'designated teacher' for a child in care would become a legally recognised person, supported by training. Councils will also have more power to involve the private sector in this respect.

Under the Bill's terms Children in care would only move schools in Year 10 and 11 in exceptional circumstances.

A regulatory set-up will be provided enabling pilot local authorities to test different methods of providing and organising social care.

The Bill intends to improve the experience children in care have at school and increase their educational attainment, improving the quality of care planning and ensuring that the child's own interests and wishes are taken into account. Children in care would also be provided a greater say on moves towards independent living.

Draft Apprenticeships Bill

The Draft Apprenticeships Bill would introduce an entitlement to an apprenticeship for all 16-18 year olds.

Source: DeHavilland Public Affairs Briefing www.dehavilland.co.uk